An excited Abigail informs Jennifer and Jack that Madison has offered her a job to model for Mad World Cosmetics. Jen disapproves, fearing what Abigail will be exposed to in the fashion world and advises her daughter to focus on her studies. "It becomes a big family dispute," previews Kate Mansi (Abigail). Things get heated when Jennifer tells Abby she'll have to move out if she pursues the gig.

Jack intervenes on Abigail's behalf and notes that he and Jen have raised their daughter to make good choices. "When Jack stands up for Abigail, it's completely unexpected," notes Mansi. "Abigail feels like she never has anyone on her side. But at the same time, she is happy that her father is supportive and giving her mom a different perspective. It's an interesting position for Jack, who was gone for so long, to take the lead as dad."

Matthew Ashford (Jack) points out, "Jack shows Abigail that he has the ability to give her space. He's not in opposition to Jen. He tries to give Jennifer a broader picture."

Abigail's week begins on a high note: She discovers there is trouble in Austin and Carrie's marriage. She arrives at Austin's office and realizes it's where he spent the night. "If things were all great and happy at home for Austin, he would be spending so much time with Abigail," reasons Kate Mansi. "It's the fuel for Abigail thinking that Austin has feelings for her. When she sees that things are getting worse between Austin and Carrie, she thinks it could be an opening for her."

The two head to breakfast. Carrie spies them together and jumps to the wrong conclusion. "I think because Carrie and Austin's relationship is in such turmoil, she's making assumptions that she wouldn't normally make," voices Mansi. "They reassure Carrie that nothing is going on."

Later, Abigail reveals to Jen and Jack that Madison has offered her a position to model at Mad World. Jen thinks it's a bad idea because it might interfere with Abigail's college studies. "Abigail fights to model because she thinks it will make her feel like she isn't a little kid anymore, " explains Mansi. "Abigail is insistent on modeling, and her mom won't have it. So it becomes a big dispute."

Jack steps in and stands up for his daughter. "Jennifer seems to respond out of fear," Matthew Ashford points out. "She paints a very broad brush and comes up with all the worst things that could happen. I think Jack is a little more distanced from it. It also hits Jack that Abigail is not just his little girl anymore; she's become a woman. He realizes that maybe to hold on to Abigail, he has to let her go. He understands that life is full of fears and dangers and that he can't let fear be the guiding force in his relationship with Abigail."

Meanwhile, Abigail appreciates her dad's efforts. "It's unexpected," explains Mansi. "She's happy that Jack is supportive and is giving her mom a different perspective. It's an interesting position for Jack, who has been gone for so long, to take the lead as a father."